Support the new proposed route, which will result in less damage for the waterway

The Chesterfield Canal Trust (CCT) is urging all waterways supporters to help fight the threat to the canal’s restoration from plans for HS2, by responding to the Government’s consultation on route changes before the 9 March deadline.

As originally planned, Phase 2 of the new high-speed railway (extending from the Midlands to the northwest and Yorkshire) looked set to obliterate lengths of the canal between Staveley and Killarmarsh, potentially stopping restoration work in its tracks.

But a change proposed in 2016 would see the new line take an alternative route alongside the M1 motorway, with far less of an impact to the waterway. Although this is now the Government’s ‘preferred’ option, it hasn’t been formally adopted – indeed, it will face opposition from some quarters – and the final decision won’t be made until after the current consultation.

To give it the best prospects, CCT is appealing for as many people as possible to respond to the consultation, answering ‘Yes’ to question 7, which asks “Do you support the proposal to amend the route to serve south and west Yorkshire?”, and giving the reduction in damage to the Chesterfield Canal as their reason.